Group Finance Director

Strata; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading brand experience agency in the UK is seeking a Finance Director to lead its financial management and strategy. The role involves developing financial strategy aligned with business goals, overseeing compliance, and providing commercial insights. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in financial leadership within creative sectors and strong knowledge of UK accounting. This position offers an enriching workplace focused on growth and well-being for employees.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private Health Insurance

Pension scheme

Cycling scheme

Birthday day off

Hybrid working arrangement

Regular social events

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Finance Director or in a senior financial leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK statutory accounting principles.
• Experience in commercial finance, including project profitability analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting agencies through growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the financial strategy for the agency.
• Manage the finance function for SCC and operating companies.
• Provide financial insight to support decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and timely reporting.

Skills

Financial leadership

Commercial finance analysis

UK accounting principles knowledge

People management

Excellent communication

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified

Minimum 5 years post-qualification

Job description

We are Strata!

Imagine being part of a fast and exciting brand experience agency whose clients include specialists in new technology, creators of some of the most stunning electric vehicles on the planet, financial institutions, and global leaders in pharmaceutical solutions. As an agency, we elevate these brands and make them heard through immersive and memorable virtual and face‑to‑face experiences.

As a people‑first business, we encourage ambition, support and reward. We’re always listening and open to your ideas, just as we do with our clients.

Our name? It’s Strata, an agency on a mission to be the very best. This means we always want to hear from the very best creative and intelligent souls who genuinely believe that every moment matters.

Job Overview

The Finance Director will be responsible for leading the financial management and strategy of Strata Creative Communications, plus oversight of the finance functions in all the operating companies in the Group. This includes responsibility for all aspects of financial control, tax, budgeting and reporting, as well as contributing to commercial decision‑making in partnership with the CFO and Board. The role requires both technical expertise and an understanding of the events sector, supporting the agency’s creative teams with commercial guidance, client profitability assessment, and strategic investment planning.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and lead the financial strategy in line with Strata’s business objectives and long‑term growth plans.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CFO and Board, providing financial insight to support decision‑making, investment, and business development opportunities.
• Ensure alignment of financial strategy with the operational needs of a fast‑paced creative events agency.

Financial Management & Control

• Oversee the finance function for SCC & operating companies - leading and developing the team to ensure high standards of accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with UK accounting standards, and timely reporting to stakeholders.
• Responsible for accurate and timely monthly management reports including P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow actuals & forecasts etc. for SCC and the group as a whole.

Commercial Support & Analysis

• Partner with Client Services and Production teams to review project budgets, monitor margins, and evaluate commercial risks.
• Provide financial modelling and scenario planning for pitches, large‑scale events, and international projects.
• Lead evaluations of client profitability, pricing structures, and contract negotiations to maximise returns.
• Identify opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profitability across the agency.

Risk Management & Governance

• Assess potential financial, commercial, and operational risks, implementing appropriate governance and mitigation plans.
• Ensure the company complies with all tax, VAT, and regulatory obligations relevant to the events industry, including international projects when applicable.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, inspire, and develop the finance team, ensuring strong collaboration with commercial, creative, and operational colleagues.

• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the finance function.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the below experience:

• Proven experience as a Finance Director (or senior financial leadership role) within a creative agency, events agency, marketing communications business, or related professional services sector.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK statutory accounting principles, tax, VAT (especially within events and international projects), and compliance requirements.
• Experience in commercial finance, with the ability to analyse project profitability, client margins, and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrable experience in supporting agencies through growth, transformation, or periods of structural change.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing and mentoring finance teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present financial insights clearly to non‑financial colleagues and clients.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent) – at least 5 years post qual.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working with event budgets, live production, and complex client billing models.
• Understanding of international tax and regulatory requirements relevant to overseas events.
• Experience implementing new financial systems or processes to enhance reporting and efficiency.

Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset.
• Detail‑oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Collaborative leader, able to work with both creative and commercial colleagues.
• Resilient under pressure and adaptable to deadlines within a fast‑paced agency environment. Willingness to ‘roll sleeves up’ wherever required to achieve the desired results.
• Passion for the events and communications industry.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave, plus usual Bank Holidays
• Birthday day off
• Private Health Insurance*
• Workplace pension scheme
• Death in service scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Regular social events

*Upon successful completion of a 6‑month probation period

Our Principles

A win for the client

Client success is at the forefront of everything we do. We measure our success by the impact we make for our clients. We strive to exceed your expectations, delivering moments that matter with results that matter.

A win for the company

We believe in long‑term partnerships and sustainable growth. When your business prospers, so does ours. Our commitment to excellence and innovation means we’re always ahead of the curve, offering you the best brand experiences.

A win for the team

Our team is the lifeblood of our agency. We celebrate diversity, promote collaboration, and foster an inclusive culture where every team member feels valued and empowered. When our team thrives, their passion and dedication is reflected in everything we deliver.

A win for you

Whether you’re engaging us for your events, already fostering a career at Strata, or considering one, our goal is to create a win for you. We’re dedicated to providing our employees with an enriching workplace that supports their growth and well‑being. For our clients, a win means achieving your objectives and making your brand shine.

A win for the planet

We are committed to making environmentally responsible choices in our work. We recognise our responsibility to minimise our impact on the planet and contribute to a sustainable future. From eco‑friendly event practices to conscious resource management, we aim to create events that are a win for the environment.

Diversity at Strata

At Strata, people are at the heart of who we are.

We recognise and value the diverse and unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that each individual brings.

We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, valued, and empowered. We strive to create an innovative, creative, and inclusive environment where all employees and applicants can thrive.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Embracing diversity isn't just our goal, it's our strength, driving us towards a more inclusive future.

https://stratacreate.com/